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Why are Motorcycle Clubs called MCC, not MC ?

Throughout the 60s & 70s in the UK and Europe, a number of what could loosely be called 'Biker Gangs' started up. They modelled themselves on what they believed the US Hells Angels movement stood for, and - to be frank - got to be a damn nuisance. Started throwing their weight around, often bullying local groups of bikers because they wanted to be seen as Bad-Ass Dudes. One of the concepts they insisted on was that only they could be called MC - no other Motorcycle Club could call itself MC. So, the rest of us called ourselves MCC - why make trouble for yourself?

Actually, the Hells Angels movement (or Slaves, Outlaws, ... similar groups go by different names in different parts of the world) never promoted that kind of behaviour. They have a strict code of conduct, and can be quite violent within their own groups. But their credo is to keep themselves to themselves - not run around beating up the general public.

For more on the history, including why they are often known as '1%ers'; what Prospecting is, etc, see the references below.

 

Back Patches, Top Rockers, Bottom Rockers.

Typically, a genuine Outlaw Club MC will have their name as a Top Rocker, their area as Bottom Rocker, and some graphic design of Patch. The 'Patch' is in 3 separate pieces, leading to the term '3 Piece Patch'. (Often, there will also be a small MC patch worn on the right, or incorporated in the design. The graphic design is often in the form of a Death's-Head skull. Examples of Colours.)

This '3-Piece-Patch' layout identifies the wearer as a member of a MC.

There are many clubs who wear Back Patches, but who are not Chapters of the dominant MC in the area. A Patch Club MCC will not use Top or Bottom Rockers - they will have just the Patch, which will incorporate their name and perhaps location in the patch design itself.

In the UK, both types of Patch are usually worn on a denim cut-off over the leathers, elsewhere more often on the leathers themselves.

So, if you see someone with a one-piece Patch, they are a member of a fairly hard-core, dedicated, close-knit group - but they are not an MC. If it is a 3-Piece Patch - they are the full MC. If they are wearing just the Bottom Rocker, or The Bottom Rocker and Central Patch, they are a Prospect of an MC.

 

Front Patch, Side Patch

Clubs who are neither MC or Patch Club will want some insignia, some Club Logo, or 'Patch' to identify themselves. If this is to be an embroidered Patch worn on the leathers, it is expected to be much smaller than a Back Patch, and worn on the front or arm of the clothing. Hence the terms, not often used in the UK, 'Front Patch Club' and 'Side Patch Club'.

 

OC, RC, EC

Clubs who are not MCC or MC identify themselves using some descriptive term:

Almond RC This is a 'Riders Club' - generally into riding, sunday runs, touring, ...being out and about using the bike.

Almond OC An 'Owners Club' - usually one-make clubs, often for classics or modern-classics, 'owners' rather than 'riders'. They will of course ride their bikes, but their interest is more in 'having it' than 'riding the nuts off it'.

Almond EC An 'Enthusiasts Club' - usually one-make, almost always clubs for rarer classics.

If a club calls itself a Rally Club, its main purpose is to party and attend weekend Biker Rallies. Such Clubs will often run their own rally, inviting other clubs theirs. Such clubs are usually hard-riding, hard-drinking party animals.

If they call themselves a Social Club, the main purpose is to hang out with a bunch of others into bikes. Often have organised local ride-outs, often family-oriented.

Oh, and Almond SC would be a Scooter Club, but you guessed that already :)

 

Further Reading:

Detailed history of the origins of Patch Clubs, the '1%er' tag, Prospecting

How to act around MC club members and Prospects, written by a MC member.

French Article on Motorcycle Gangs as a front for Criminal Activity.

Wikipedia on the Hollister Riot - basis for the Brando film The Wild One, the first public awareness of 'Outlaw Biker Gangs', and a classic example of media sensationalism.

 

 

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